1961 Lotus 20 Monoposto

This 1961 Lotus 20/22 Formula Junior Monoposto spent the earlier part of its life in New Zealand before coming to the United States in 1990. It has been used in historic races from coast to coast while in the US.

While in New Zealand, it was raced by Jim Palmer who was one of the more successful and famous drivers in New Zealand. During that time, his Lotus 20B was powered by a 1,500cc engine to comply with Formula One regulations.

When it was brought to the US, it still retained the 1500cc engine. By this point, it was a well-used machine that was in need of restoration. It was purchased by a New York resident in the spring of 1990. While in their care it was restored to the correct Lotus 20/22 specifications. The following decade the car was well used in historic Formula Junior competition with its most recent outing in 2007.

It is fitted with a 1100cc engine and a Hewland MK6 gearbox. There is a Tilton clutch and pressure plate. The rear suspension is comprised of a Lotus 20 reversed A-arms with trailing arms, coil over shocks, load bearing driveshafts, and sway bar. The rear brakes are inboard with the front being the correct Lotus 22 discs. Smiths gauges can be found in the cockpit and their is a fire suppression system.

In 2007 it was brought to Carmel, California where it was offered for sale at Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, and estimated to sell for $40,000 - 50,000. The lot failed to find an interested buyer willing to satisfy the car's reserve. It left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008